milod Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 I'm kinda in the same position as Bender - plus I refuse to spend over $1,000 on a guitar I can't first play - and that means no Gibsons of a design I'm interested in. The recent Chinese Dots are really nice instruments. A Gretch full hollow jazz model, I have one, is pretty nice to play although I don't care for the 15 1/2 scale. Chinese is kinda irrelevant, although it's not "perfect" as I'd tend to want it. Eastman is making some incredible full hollows for jazz purposes in China. Dunno about their semi, but it's priced well above the Epi versions. Except for the Eastman, you'll note my more current imports are Epis or Fenderco. It could be cowardice. And the Eastman is one I picked up at the only real guitar store in the area - and they don't carry Gibbies although they do quite well with Epis. I think, too, that the old "Patent infringement" Japanese guitars were at minimum the equal of American output in the mid '70s, which is why they were hit with the lawsuits. Frankly after that, it appears they had their name and sold a lotta guitars that may or may not have been the equal of the "patent infringement" designs. "We" in the west tend to ignore that Asia has a tradition of very complex woodworking that can translate well to guitars. Workers there will do their best given corporate morale and materials at hand along with the designed price point of a given guitar. One also should note that Japan and Korea, at least, have developed their own guitar music culture - and it appears ditto in China. Frankly I find that politically a "good thing" in that I'm still convinced "we" can manage to get along with other guitar pickin' countries regardless of political differences, and will continue to have serious political problems with those that aren't. That's just a gut feeling, but I'll wager that not too many guitar players are in various "terrorist" organizations or in nations that harbor them. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottishrogue Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Well, I'm not real big on imported guitars, even though, some are excellent guitars. And if you check my "resume" at the bottom, you will notice that I own one. A Yamaha FG-375S, that I purchased new in 1984. Well, the saleman said it was new, anyway. If you don't know much about finding a quality guitar, they will take you to the cleaners!!! It's a really nice looking guitar, and well made, but I discovered through my own investigation that it was made in 1977, and the salesman had been "misleading" by calling it new. But I will have the last laugh. That's because in 1977, Yamaha made a major design change. They changed the access to the adjustable truss rod from just below the headstock (my guitar) to through the sound hole, similar to many modern guitars such as Martin. For this reason, this particular model has become extremely rare, and a wee bit more valuable. Just yesterday, I ran across a Yamaha guitar being offered for sale, that had been signed by the 4 original members of the Who (Roger, Pete, Keith and John) for over $13,000!!!!! And the kicker is...my guitar is a much nicer looking model!!! And for anyone interested, I'm putting mine up for sale and my reserve is...$12,999. A super good deal. While it is not signed (yet), I'd be perfectly willing to sign it myself, if that's a deal breaker. My signature is very unique but much more legible than those guys! Be sure and get your bids in early, as this deal will not last long. Good luck! OMG!!! This thread is about electric guitars??? My guitar is acoustic, so nevermind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazytrain513 Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 I had a Washburn X50PRO which was made in Korea. Super-strat style body. I'd have to say that its the best import guitar I've ever played in terms of build quality (yes, better than LTD). Beautiful mahogany body, contoured maple cap with beautiful wine red quilt top. It was a set-neck but for 5 years I thought it was a neck-thru because there wasn't a visible heel or neck joint (if you look on eBay, people have them listed as neck-thru's lol). Came installed with a SD Custom Custom in the bridge & a SD '59 Reissue in the neck (both coil-tapped). Buzz-feiten tuning system and binding, too. I sold it to fund a Les Paul and regret it more than anything else. Check out my "Crazy Train" cover on my YouTube page (in my signature) to hear it. Phenomenal guitar. I'm considering picking up another one now because their resale value is so unbelievably low. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdgm Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Fender Japan System III Contemporary Strat, heavily modded, E-series neck. The go-to, the 'beater', still comes to every band gig....bought it new in ???? mid-80s. And (pics posted a few weeks ago) Korean Shine SHC909 semi, Gretsch knock-off, licensed Bigsby, great guitar. @AlanH - I remember those Yamaha SE guitars, very good guitar indeed - you don't see those so often now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzoboy Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 I have to say that all my imported Epiphones are of great quality in every respect.I don't know if my John Lennon 1965 Casino would qualify as an import as it was crafted in Japan but the final assembly was in the US and all the electronics and hardware was US made.If my John Lennon qualifies as an import that would be my first choice because it's my favourite of all my 30 guitars. MIJ Orvilles and Orville By Gibson guitars are phenomenal and some of the high end ones have been said to surpass even their Gibson counterparts in quality by guitar mag reviews.Evans,Burney,Fresher and some other MIJ guitars are of extremely high quality and can cost as much as $3,000 more than their US Fender and Gibson counterparts for 100% handmade models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swampash Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 Given that I live in Ireland, all of them! I'm really obsessing over Rickenbackers at the moment after getting a 360 six string in Fireglo. Every day I'm trying to work out how I'm going to pay for a 330/12 in Mapleglo or Fireglo. It's nearly keeping me up at night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mosquito3 Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 Gibson! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badbluesplayer Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 I'd have to say Gibson in first place followed by Fender. P. Took me way too long to get that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 Considering You mean not US-made by "import", I´d love to own a vintage Golden Höfner. Cheers... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FirstMeasure Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 On the whole I prefer Epiphones to most imports I've tried. Ibanez is a close second, but those weak neck joints always spoil the deal for me. As for guitars I own, it's very close between my Epi Joe Pass Emperor and my MIM Buddy Guy Strat. They both are excellent players that came out of the box with a near perfect set up, aside from a little saddle adjustment they were good to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RowdyMoon Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 I just bought ( well 2 weeks ago ) a MIM arctic white Telecaster and I must say the quality is really good and and has a nice feel as well..so thumbs up to that one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieman15061 Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 Gretsch hands down. My Falcon and my Double Annie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Norm Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 Gretsch hands down. My Falcon and my Double Annie. Excuse for my ignorance about Gretsch guitars, but I really tought the white falcon was built in USA !!! Where is it from ? Nice guitars by the way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krock Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 I have 2 import guitars, both are my main players; a highly modded squier tele custom (not sure why but this thing loves string bends) and a MK Patriot Limited Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sgplayers Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 Epiphone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tman5293 Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 I like my guitars like I like my cars. American made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buxom Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 I had a Sonoran. It was made in China. Also, didn't Reverend start outsourcing to Korea? Not to be picky, but a lot of the parts on your Mustang were probably manufactured elsewhere, but then assembled in an American plant. The USA is made by pretty much every other country on earth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buxom Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 Anyways, I've started to dig Ibanez RGs a lot. I found one for sale in a thrift shop, I may go pick it up and make it playable again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieman15061 Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 Excuse for my ignorance about Gretsch guitars, but I really tought the white falcon was built in USA !!! Where is it from ? Nice guitars by the way Since 1989 when the Gretsch family reaquired the rights the guitars have been produced in Japan. Some custom shop models are still produced here though. In 2002 Gretsch and Fender reached an agreement in which Fender would take over the marketing, production and distribution. Fender upgraded much of what was coming out of Japan including going back to vintage specs on most models. The quality is superb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saturn Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 Believe it or not, I'm going to say Chinese made Squire Classic Vibe Telecaster. My friend has scooped up 3 of them, and I would hold them up against any USA made Fenders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krock Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Believe it or not, I'm going to say Chinese made Squire Classic Vibe Telecaster. My friend has scooped up 3 of them, and I would hold them up against any USA made Fenders. What in particular was as good as the USA's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Septic Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 I've had most over the last 40 years, but I recently bought a LAG Arkane on impulse.. I'm still coming to terms with the way it can produce a wider tonal range than any other guitar I've played... With the pot rolled down to about seven it reaches right the way from soft, round bluesy, molasses drenched "Lucille", through tight percussive, Joe Pass precision and even a really, really bright "ringing" 50s broadcaster "unpotted" twang.... Then you roll the volume up to 8/9 and "Black Dog" begs to be let off the leash while "Layla" appears in the background until the pot hits the stop at ten and the windings drive tubes as well as any "off the shelf" passive axe in the shops.... And No.... I dont work for them, or have any link to the company... I just feel slightly sad that Gibson produce nothing that even approaches that huge landscape of tone... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saturn Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 What in particular was as good as the USA's? Are you testing me? :) The basic workmanship and playability. I can't find any flaws in them. The neck is a very pretty birds eye maple and the frets are nice and smooth. Intonation is perfect. Electronics sound great too. I've seen some MIM Fenders (even owned a Strat one time) that were fine, but just didn't quite match these Classic Vibe series Squires. My buddy owns 2 Vintage Blonde teles, one Sunburst Custom tele with binding and rosewood fretboard and a Classic Vibe Strat too. I've played them all at jams and gigs one time or another and am amazed every time I play them at how little he paid for these guitars that perform as well as ones that cost a thousand dollars or more. See. Here's me playing one of the Vintage Blonde Telecasters B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krock Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Are you testing me? :) The basic workmanship and playability. I can't find any flaws in them. The neck is a very pretty birds eye maple and the frets are nice and smooth. Intonation is perfect. Electronics sound great too. I've seen some MIM Fenders (even owned a Strat one time) that were fine, but just didn't quite match these Classic Vibe series Squires. My buddy owns 2 Vintage Blonde teles, one Sunburst Custom tele with binding and rosewood fretboard and a Classic Vibe Strat too. I've played them all at jams and gigs one time or another and am amazed every time I play them at how little he paid for these guitars that perform as well as ones that cost a thousand dollars or more. See. Here's me playing one of the Vintage Blonde Telecasters B) I wouldn't call it a test, I just like to understand the views of other to help improve my overall knowledge. From this thread alone I've learnt about loads of cool import guitars that others think sound good or play well. Its important for people to put up threads like this so that those who haven't played for loads of years understand that cheap gear can be great too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtim Posted February 17, 2013 Share Posted February 17, 2013 My 1979 Ibanez ST300. Nice playing and cool. Active or passive pick ups. A real good guitar. Not sure if it is my favorite import but it is the only one I have at the moment. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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